Many injured in motorway pile-up

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The accident closed the motorway in both directions for several hours

At least 13 people have been injured in a crash involving two lorries, an empty coach and four cars on the M4 motorway in Wiltshire.

One of the casualties is said by police to have been seriously hurt in the accident on the eastbound carriageway at about 0145 BST.

The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 17 and 18 near Leigh Delamere Services.

At 1440 BST The Highways Agency said both carriageways had fully reopened.

It is understood that the trailer unit of one of the lorries had crossed the central reservation, crashing into the cars.

One of the drivers, who was seriously hurt, was trapped in his vehicle for more than two hours, police said.

The injured people were taken to Frenchay Hospital near Bristol and Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

Thermal imaging cameras were used to detect any further casualties and platforms were set up to access those trapped in the wreckage of the larger vehicles.

Police said heavy lifting equipment would be required to move the lorries and bus from the scene.